Product Description

While Jane Lindsay waits for her husband to decide if they'll stay married, she finds a 16th-century betrothal ring. Certain that it belonged to Lady Jane Grey, she's drawn to the parallels in their lives. Was Tudor England's 9-day queen another victim of other people's choices? Will Manhattan's Jane realize she's responsible for her own happiness? 352 pages, softcover from Waterbrook.

Publisher's Description

Love is a choice you make every day.

Content in her comfortable marriage of twenty-two years, Jane Lindsay had never expected to watch her husband, rad, pack his belongings and walk out the door of their Manhattan home. But when it happens, she feels powerless to stop him and the course of events that follow Brads departure.

Jane finds an old ring in a box of relics from a British jumble sale and discovers a Latin inscription in the band along with just one recognizable word: Jane. Feeling an instant connection to the mysterious ring bearing her namesake, Jane begins a journey to learn more about the ringand perhaps about herself.

~

In the sixteenth-century, Lucy Day becomes the dressmaker to Lady Jane Grey, an innocent young woman whose fate seems to be controlled by a dangerous political and religious climate, one threatening to deny her true love and pursuit of her own interests.

As the stories of both Janes dovetail through the journey of one ring, it becomes clear that each woman has far more infl uence over her life than she once imagined. It all comes down to the choices each makes despite the realities they face.

Author Bio

Susan Meissner has spent her lifetime as a writer, starting with her first poem at the age of four. She is the award-winning author of The Shape of Mercy, White Picket Fences, and many other novels. When shes not writing, she directs the small groups and connection ministries at her San Diego church. She and her pastor husband are the parents of four young adults. Visit her Web site at www.susanmeissner.com.

Endorsements

Lady in Waiting is sheer beauty set in two time periods, both equally captivating stories. Meissner writes characters I care for, root for, and pine alongsideand she does so while weaving enticing, heart-wrenching plots. This book proves why Im an ardent Susan Meissner fan.  Mary DeMuth, author of Life in Defiance

Lady in Waiting by Susan Meissner: The pacing, perfection. Transitions between centuries, seamless. Capturing the nuances of relationship, flawless. Put anything written by Susan Meissner on your must read now! list, right beside Barbara Kingsolver and Elizabeth Berg. I couldnt put this elegant novel of love and choice down. A completely satisfying read.  Jane Kirkpatrick, award-winning author of A Flickering Light and An Absence So Great

A novel about decisions long regretted and decisions yet to be made, Lady in Waiting resonates with the great hope and exhilaration that come with the realization that there is always a choice.  Siri Mitchell, author of She Walks in Beauty

Artfully blending past and present, Susan Meissner weaves the stories of two different women into a rich tapestry of love, disappointment, and ultimately the power of standing up for what you believe in. The subtlety of her storytelling makes Lady in Waiting both delightful to read and impossible to forget.  Nicole Baart, author of The Moment Between

Publisher's Weekly

Veteran author Meissner (White Picket Fences) blends past and present in this compelling novel about making choices. Jane Lindsay never thought she'd be alone, but after her husband leaves her, she must face the reality of her marriage and life choices. One small ring, found in the binding of a book bought at an English rummage sale, changes the course of Jane's thinking as she researches another Jane, whose name is inscribed in the ring. Readers jump back in time to England after the death of Henry VIII. Lucy Day is ordered to Sudeley Castle, bearing a dress for Lady Jane Grey. Lucy narrates the tale of Lady Jane, pawn in the schemes of powerful men who seek the throne of England even as young Jane Grey is determined to live--and die--on her own terms. Modern Jane studies Lady Jane, coming to realize that she alone must choose how she lives. Both the history and the modern tale are enticing, with Meissner doing a masterful job blending the two. (Sept.) Copyright 2010 Reed Business Information.

Editorial Reviews

Praise for Lady in Waiting"Lady in Waiting is sheer beauty set in two time periods, both equally captivating stories. Meissner writes characters I care for, root for, and pine alongsideand she does so while weaving enticing, heart-wrenching plots. This book proves why Im an ardent Susan Meissner fan."Mary DeMuth, author of Life in Defiance

"Lady in Waiting by Susan Meissner: The pacing, perfection. Transitions between centuries, seamless. Capturing the nuances of relationship, flawless. Put anything written by Susan Meissner on your "must read now!" list, right beside Barbara Kingsolver and Elizabeth Berg. I couldnt put this elegant novel of love and choice down. A completely satisfying read."Jane Kirkpatrick, award-winning author of A Flickering Light and An Absence So Great

"A novel about decisions long regretted and decisions yet to be made, Lady in Waiting resonates with the great hope and exhilaration that come with the realization that there is always a choice."Siri Mitchell, author of She Walks in Beauty

"Artfully blending past and present, Susan Meissner weaves the stories of two different women into a rich tapestry of love, disappointment, and ultimately the power of standing up for what you believe in. The subtlety of her storytelling makes Lady in Waiting both delightful to read and impossible to forget."Nicole Baart, author of The Moment Between

Praise for Susan Meissner"As raindrops become mighty rivers, Susan Meissners words seem simple in the beginning, but one thought builds naturally upon another, phrases and sentences flow together with effortless fluidity, and before you know it, you are totally engrossed by the powerful undercurrents of her story. To read Ms. Meissner is to put yourself into the hands of that rarest kind of author: an artist working in the medium of words."Athol Dickson, Christy Awardwinning author of The Cure and Winter Haven

"Writing as incandescent as pure flame. Susan Meissner delivers again with a family story that wraps you up and stays with you long after the last page."James Scott Bell, best-selling author of Deceived and Try Fear

"I loved The Shape of Mercy from beginning to end. Ms. Meissners prose sings, and her characters captured my interest from the start. As the story unfolded, those same characters captured my heart. I wont soon forget Mercy, Lauren, or Abigail."Robin Lee Hatcher, award-winning author of Wagered Heart and When Love Blooms

"With a deft hand, Meissner blends an intriguing storyline, artful writing, and memorable characters for a truly delicious read. This ones a keeper!"Denise Hunter, author of The Convenient Groom

"White Picket Fences, with its wonderful cast of characters, offers hope to all of us who live less than perfect lives behind our own white picket fences. Susan Meissner skillfully weaves together parallel storylines to show how healing can come when we risk sharing our secret pain with others."Lynn Austin, author of Until We Reach Home

This book by: Susan Meissner is the story of two women named Jane; who live centuries apart but are connected by a betrothal ring. Jane Lindsay finds an antique ring with the name "Jane" engraved on it and sets off on a quest to discover the history behind it. Jane is enduring an emotional roller coster while her marriage is falling apart. Lonely, she feels connected to the "Jane" who once owned the beautiful ring. Step back to the sixteenth-century and follow the life of Lady Jane Grey of Tudor England through the eyes of her dressmaker, Lucy Day.

Meissner does a great job incorporating both lives and stories in this contemporary and historical fiction. Reading this book sparked my interest in the true history of Lady Jane Grey and a more in-depth leisurely study of general Tudor history. I found this book very interesting. I would recommend it to anyone interested in the sixteenth century time period; understanding that it is a work of fiction.

In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission I am required to disclose that Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers provided this book for free in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.

This is a very different book than any I remember reading. There are two different stories in two different centuries, both involving a women named "Jane" and a ring that joins the two of them.

There is the modern day Jane, who runs an antique store, and whose marriage is in a difficult place. Her husband needs some "time off", leaving Jane in a desperate and lonely place. Then in the course of her business dealings she comes across a 15th Century ring with her name engraved in it.

Then we are taken to the court of King Henry VIII and meet Lady Jane Grey, a young girl whose life is being volleyed about by her parents and other interested parties. In the course of her story she is given an unusual ring with her a message, and her first name engraved inside it. It comes from the young man she loves and hopes to marry. But the nobles have other plans for Jane.

The writer takes you back and forth into the lives of the two Janes. She skilfully weaves the two stories into one truly wonderful book. She really takes you into the hearts, fears and joys of these two different women. It is a book for a mature reader - even a man will find this interesting, to which my husband can testify. I do not feel it is appropriate for younger readers, as some of the situations are very adult.

This is not what I would call a traditional Christian Fiction book. There are many opportunities for prayer, godly advice & teaching to have been incorporated, but were not. However, it is a beautiful story that I enjoyed thoroughly, and was written in very good taste. Every time I put it down, I couldn't wait to come back to it.

In early December, I went in search of a new author & had such a hard time deciding which one book I was going to buy. "Lady in Waiting" won for several reasons. First, the story of two Janes connected by history & a ring piqued my curiosity. Second, Siri Mitchell, one of my all time favorite authors, sung this story's praise. Third, I found many of Susan's book titles fascinating. I decided to start with this one, and it was the perfect choice. Susan is an exceptional storyteller whose poetic prose has the power to touch something deep inside the reader's soul. I loved Jane Lindsay's journey of self-discovery, her love of antiques & her unique attitude about waiting. I understand that this story of Lady Jane is largely fiction, but I adored Susan's "what if" rendition of Jane's life. Lucy Day may not have been a "lady" by definition, but she far outclassed Lady Frances Grey, Jane's heartless mother, by wrapping Lady Jane in beauty through amazingly crafted gowns & the kind of friendship that shares both joy & sorrow. What Jane Lindsay lacked in decision making early on she more than makes up for in her brave, merciful choice to try again. What a delight to find Susan & to know that she has many other books just waiting to be enjoyed!

The story focuses on two main characters: Jane Lindsay, who is an antiques shop owner and is recently separated from her husband; and Lady Jane Grey, a young woman whose marriage and fate is determined by those around her. Susan weaves both their stories together, as an old ring brings them together and for a purpose. Susan's writing allows the reader to become immersed in each of their own stories and allows these central characters ample opportunity to share their journey with us, while also bringing closure to the mystery of the ruby ring.

Through their journey, both Jane's come to realize that they still have a voice and are in charge of their own destiny. Throughout the story, both Jane's gain inner strength and a deeper faith. While Lady Jane Grey is ultimately executed, as history reports, Susan brings to life this woman who in the end did not compromise her values. Jane Lindsay, through a series of events and discussions with her therapist, family, and friends, realizes that she is ultimately in charge of her own happiness and also can decide the fate of her marriage. While I will not give away her ending, I will note that Susan doesn't tie everything in a sweet little bow for readers. This allows the reader to imagine what her decision is and the course of her own happiness.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction, Christian fiction, and enjoys reading about self-empowerment for women and their relationships.

This book is â€˜two-stories-in-one' and is told from the perspective of two main characters, one living in modern day and one living in the 16th century.

The modern day character, Jane Lindsay, is an antique dealer who has just had her world rocked by her husband of over 20 years saying that he needs a break. While reeling from this news, she discovers a very old ring in a box of antiques from England. She is drawn to the ring because the inscription on it contains the name "Jane."

In 16th Century England, Lucy Day tells of her experiences as a seamstress to young Lady Jane Gray. Lady Jane is in the line of succession to the throne, and is also waiting to see who her parents decide she should wed. She has given her heart to one young man, and he in turn gave her a ring with a Latin inscription and her name, "Jane."

Thus the two stories are connected by the ring. Throughout the book, you find other ways that these two "Janes" are connected, particularly in regard to choices they have made or that have seemingly been made for them.

While the story of the ring and the modern-day Jane is fictional, the story of Lady Jane Gray is based on actual events in history. This alone made the book an interesting read for me. I was glad to have the "English order of characters" given in the front of this book, which made it easier for me to keep all of the royalty straight! The book was slow at parts, but, on the other hand, I would have liked to continue the story of modern-day Jane a little more to find out what happened with her.

Overall, this book was a nice read. Not enthralling, but still interesting.